HTWD Preview: The Manchester Derby

Today will go down as one of the biggest soccer matches in the season. Why? Well a few reasons. Today, we have European powerhouses Manchester United and Manchester City squaring off in the famous "Manchester Derby". It always gives us an entertaining battle, but the stakes will be raised the the matchup in a few hours. This is because of the implications it has on the title race. Both Manchester teams are a tier above the rest of the English Premier League squads this season, and are only separated by 3 points heading into this clash.

A Man United win would all but surely secure glory for them, and their 20th premier league title, and sweet, sweet satisfaction of their neighbours. BUT, if City were to hold ground and take the win, then they would vault into the lead due to better goal differential (tiebreaker). The bitterness between the two head bosses for both sides, and the hate the teams have for one another are just a few more storylines and reasons to watch one of the most anticipated games in recent memory.

My guess is that this is going to be a close contest throughout. I think the first half will be quite tame, with City managing a goal late in the first half to take a 1-0 lead. But then, I think the second half is where the game will really begin. I see lots of risks and quality football plays going on, with an eventual scoreline of 3-2 and Manchester United taking the game and probably the league title via a late goal by the world's best substitute, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.

Well, that's my thoughts on this massive game. It should be a tremendous one. How do you think it'll go down? Let us know in the comments!

Game begins at 11:30 PST on ESPN and WatchESPN.

Photo via topnews

Zurich Classic: Ultimate Breakthrough

This week, a Tiger won again. No, not Tiger Woods. Former Auburn Tiger Jason Dufner finally triumphed on the PGA Tour for the first time in his career. The 35 year old American has had his share of heartbreak (2011 PGA Championship), so it's only fitting he finally was able to win in a tournament with a good field.

Even more fitting that he won it in dramatic fashion. For the most of the day, it was a duel between him and in form golfer Ernie Els. It got so tight that they event went to a playoff to decide the champion. On the first playoff hole, both of them had their chances to win the tournament outright with short birdie putts, but failed to convert. Jason took over in the second sudden death hole, however. He converted his short birdie putt while Ernie couldn't convert his mid range effort. It would have been great to see either player win, but Jason was long overdue for a W. He now is no longer "Best player to not win a PGA Tour event'.

Congratulations, Jason!

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HTWD Spotlight: Lexi Thompson Wants A Prom Date!

Ever wanted the chance to go on a date with an LPGA star? Well, now's your chance! LPGA professional Lexi Thompson is having a little contest for her date to Prom. If you want to be her date for the night, then watch the video below and make sure you fall under the requirements listed (spoiler alert: she wants a military man).

Good luck!

HTWD Preview: NFL Draft

Many golfers in this world are also big fans of the NFL, much like I am. And tonight, the annual NFL Draft is kicking off, sending the sports world into a frenzy for the next 3 days. Since I have a passion for both golf and American football, I decided to write a little piece on my own insights and thoughts as the draft gets underway tonight.

Since we already know that the Indianapolis Colts are selecting top QB prospect Andrew Luck, and that the Washington Redskins are going with the electric Robert Griffin III, all eyes are on the Minnesota Vikings. At spot number 3, they are unofficially on the clock. And the amount of things they can do with this pick is crazy. They have reportedly been receiving various trade offers for this position, and rightfully so. There are a multitude of players that can fit this pick. LSU CB Morris Claiborne, Alabama RB Trent Richardson, Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill, and Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon are just some that fit the bill. They could even go with a safer pick, like USC's top OL Matt Kalil. I know many are saying this draft is going to start off boring with the 2 first picks already being known, but boy are things going to heat up once Minnesota is on the hotseat. Personally, I see them taking Kalil and boosting the O-Line for their QB Ponder and recovering RB Peterson.

Another spot where there is definite intrigue is Miami at number 8. Tons of analysts are speculating that, if Tannehill is still on the board there, the Dolphins MUST take him. And although I agree that QB is a need they'll have to address eventually, I don't think QB should be the play here. I'd much rather see Miami trade out of this slot to assess other needs, or helping out their offense by possibly choosing Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd. Although Floyd has had his legal troubles, the dude can play. I've seen enough Notre Dame games to know he can be a game changer when he has his mind right. Although it may seem as a bit of a reach, Miami definitely needs help at the WR position especially after trading Brandon Marshall. They could grab a QB in the later rounds with good upside anyway (i.e. Brock Osweiler, Nick Foles, or Brandon Weeden).

Finally, the last spot in the draft I am going to address is the middle postions, numbers 14-16. This includes the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets. Dallas and Philly, already bitter rivals, are both vying for Alabama S Mark Barron. The dude is a stud, but he might not last long. It might come down to who can make the boldest trade, if either one is actually willing. If not, they'll most likely still draft for defense, just different positions. The Eagles will probably still be looking for a secondary player, while Dallas will either trade down or grab someone to shore up the defensive line. The Jets, on the other hand, can do something even more crazy. Rumor has it they might be going after Trent Richardson with a top 5 selection. If they can do that, then it will be the craziest draft day thing that has happened since Denver took Tim Tebow in the first round. But with the Jets and Rex Ryan at the helm, you just never know.

Well, that's pretty much a little snippet of what's been going on in my mind the last few days. Hope you'll be watching as intently as I will be, and I hope you are as excited as I am. This should be a crazy day.

Draft coverage starts tonight on ESPN and the NFL Network at 5pm PST. 


Photo via bp.blogspot

HTWD Picks of the Week: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

 VS

JJ: Whew! After a long drought, I finally got a point back in this Picks of the Week. Thank you Matt Kuchar! Now, off to New Orleans, where a golf tournament may be a great thing for them to get the Saints off their mind. Here, I'm picking Luke Donald, the World No. 2. I have a few reasons why I think Luke will play well this week. He always seems to raise his game when playing the best players, especially since his ascension to the elite group of golfers. Luke enjoys a challenge (see Transitions Championship), and with Masters Champ Bubba Watson in the field, he'll be facing the hottest golfer on the planet (Not to mention the other stars playing here). Luke also needs a top-7 finish here to regain his top ranking he lost 2 weeks ago, so that should bode well for him this week. It definitely will be a great tournament to watch, make sure to tune in with us! 

Bernardo: This week I’m picking Bubba Watson. Bubba is coming off his first major win (Masters) and is the defending champion at the Zurich Classic. The odds are looking good for Bubba to possibly defend this week and win multiple times this year. Bubba is now the highest ranked American in the Official World Golf Rankings. Expect big things from the long hitting lefty, he has come a long way since his rookie year in 2006. I believe Bubba will play well, relying on his current momentum and brilliant shot making skills.

Recap: JJ finally earns a point after a long drought, narrowing the gap to 4 points on Bernardo.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan, Aaron Baddeley, Matt Kuchar

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk, Bud Cauley

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Valero Texas Open: Comeback Ben

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Ben Curtis finds the winner’s circle after six winless seasons on tour. Curtis got to business quickly after firing a pair of 67s in the first two rounds, placing him at 10-under par. With many players in the field unable to play consistent throughout the week. All Curtis had to do is play a game of keep away from his nearest contenders, especially Matt Every who surprised many with his first round 63. Curtis made a 22 foot par saving putt on hole #17 which pretty much secured him the win. Curtis is no rookie when it comes to winning a tournament, he won the 2003 Open Championship. His clutch play on Sunday revealed he still has what it takes to win on tour. 

With the absence of the crowd favorites, we were able to focus our attention on some of the not so popular players. Some notable names: John Huh (already a winner this year), Brain Gay, and Ryan Moore. 

Congratulations Ben Curtis!

HTWD Picks of the Week: Valero Texas Open

VS

JJ: Yep, I'm falling behind in this Picks of the Weeks race yet again. Happened last year, and it is happening again. But no fear! I'm going to go with a sure fire bet this week (I hope). I'm taking Matt Kuchar. Reportedly the only player ranked in the top 25 in the world that is in this field, Matt should be able to post a good finish, if not win. Besides the lack of "depth" at this talent-sapped tourney, it is a ball striker's course, and Matt can hit it well with the best of 'em. Hopefully he can capitalize on these advantages, and have a great week.

Bernardo: This week I’m going with Bud Cauley. This young lad is part of a selective group of golfers who were able to get their PGA Tour cards without making the trip to Q-school or the Nationwide Tour. Some notable names in that selective group: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. His professional career is young, but his stretch of good play which allowed him to get his PGA Tour card was very impressive.  Cauley has a bright future ahead of him, especially at the age of 22. TPC San Antonio rewards good play, which shouldn’t be too hard for Cauley since this guy is “purefect”.

Recap: Bernardo's lead continues to increase, after another solid performance by Jim Furyk.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan, Aaron Baddeley

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Jim Furyk

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RBC Heritage: A Swedish Masterpiece

A post Masters week is always a tough week to predict. Some players come out and play flat (Luke Donald, Bud Cauley, Aaron Baddeley), while others come out hungry to compete again, like our RBC Heritage winner Carl Petterson. The big Swede came out firing this week, making big moves on Friday and Saturday with rounds of 65 and 66, respectively, to have a comfy sized lead heading into Sunday. And in a season filled with blown leads, collapses, and come from behind victories, Petersson wasn't in the clear until basically the last 3 holes of this tournament. Zach Johnson made late rally, only to be done in by his own mistakes. Boo Weekley fought hard, but faded quickly. Carl was the only golfer to play super steady golf and had everyone come and get him than him falling to the pack. He didn't play perfect golf, but he played winning tournament golf.

It's pretty interesting to note that he's now tied with Jesper Parnevik for most wins by a Swede. Jesper was such a charismatic character on tour, and Carl is the total opposite of that. Yet they both have been very successful on tour, and who knows, Carl pops up on leaderboards from time to time and usually snatches wins with big moves at the right times. He might even sneak up on us during one of the next 3 majors, who knows.

Congratulations Carl!

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HTWD Picks of the Week: RBC Heritage

VS

JJ: As many of our Master's "hangovers" are finally going away, we move onward to Harbour Town for the RBC Heritage. Hilton Head is an awesome golf course that doesn't require extreme length to be dominant here (see Brian Gay). It requires good ball striking and excellent putting to be effective, and because of that, I'm going with Aaron Baddeley this week. Not only is he a winner here (2006), but he fits the needs to play well at this course all the time. He struggled a bit on the weekend at Augusta after a hot start, but I think he's hungry to pick up a win this week.

Bernardo: After an exciting finish in Augusta, the PGA Tour heads to Hilton Head,SC home of the IJGA and Harbor Town Golf Links. The RBC Heritage attracts a fairly stacked field, with that said I’m picking Jim Furyk this week. Harbour Town is a placement type of golf course and Jim definitely fits that category with his unorthodox golf swing. Jim won here in 2010 and is coming off a top 15 finish at the Masters. The RBC Heritage would be the perfect place to get his 2012 victory. Plus its always great  seeing the older gents win.

Recap: Bernardo's pick of Adam Scott had a brilliant Sunday, coming from behind to pick up a point for Bernardo.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner, Hunter Mahan

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott 

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The Masters: Bubba Joins The Green Jacket Club

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This year’s Masters definitely matched the level of uproar that comes with Masters week and all the commotion. Everyday there seem to arise a new headline catching the attention of golf fanatics. From a repeat collapse of good oh Rory Mcllroy, Sergio Garcia serving as captain of the negativity club and Tiger doing what he does best, kicking a golf club a few yards. Most favorites coming into this week either came close to their projected finish or completely missed it by a lengthy margin.

Sunday started off fairly slow until  Louis Oosthuizen surprised millions of viewers with a albatross on the par 5 second hole. Louis started the day 7-under and after #2, he found himself on top of the leader at 10-under. Some might call it luck or skill, whatever the case maybe it certainly played out for some great television and excitement. Louis would go on to card a pair of bogeys and birdies to even out, finishing at 10-under. At this point we believed it was Louis’s day since many players weren’t able to get anything going, but behold Bubba Watson who emerged from the pack. Bubba lit up the back nine, shooting 33 which included four straight birdies. Bubba would tie Louis at 10-under in the clubhouse and they would head to the 18th for the first hole of sudden playoff. Both men would card pars on 18th and continue to the 10th hole. This is were things got real interesting, Bubba would  find himself in trees after a poor tee shot. Bubba’s second shot might be considered the best playoff shot in golf, hooking the ball around the trees and finding the green. He would go on to par the hole while Louis came up short with a bogey. And just like that Bubba was crowned 2012 Masters Champion. 

Now that Bubba has won his first major many may rank him along the best, but as history has showed the past few Masters Champions have not had much success and it would be great to see Bubba change that. Especially for American golf who is losing to its competitors across the pond and internationally. 

Congratulations Bubba Watson! 

HTWD Picks of the Week: The Masters (!!!)

Fore, Please! 

JJ: Ahhh, Masters week. The greatest week in golf, and one of the greatest events in the sporting world. Everything that happens this weeks is amped up and magnified to the max. Champions are revealed and legends are shown at this illustrious event. To make a mark in the golfing world, you have to win the Masters. There's no doubt about that. You need to be fearless, confident, and smart to play Augusta well. And with that said, I am going with the highest ranked American we have in this field, Hunter Mahan (right). Hunter is peaking at the perfect time for this tournament, and that's exactly what needs to happen. Even though I selected him last year and he missed the cut, he's definitely a different player this year. He's a lot better, and is chock full of confidence. That should bode extremely well for him, and he should defnitely be in the hunt when the tournament REALLY begins- on the back 9 on Sunday.

 VS 

Bernardo: The time has come for golf’s first major of the year to open its doors to the top players in the world. There is no other tournament that is more glorified than the Masters. Winning here can be the difference between a decent career or prominent career, ranked among the legends of the game. For a tournament of this magnitude I’m going with Adam Scott, the major-less Aussie, whom finished runner up last year. Scott (left) hasn’t played much golf in the states this year, but Augusta can serve as a catalyst for a great 2012 season.

Recap: Phil didn't do much climbing up the leaderboard like he did last year at the Shell Houston Open, but it was more than Johnson Wagner did. Bernardo regains the point he lost at the API.

Already used: 

JJ: Jonathan Byrd, Keegan Bradley, Bryce Molder, Ryan Moore, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Johnson Wagner

Bernardo: Martin Laird, K.J. Choi, Bill Haas, Ben Crane, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Aaron Baddeley, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Webb Simpson, Phil Mickelson

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HTWD Masters Preview: Rory Mcllroy

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For our fourth Masters preview we now focus our attention on 2 European stars, Rory Mcllroy and Luke Donald. They currently hold the top 2 spots in the Official World Golf Rankings and are considered to be favorites this week among the critics. 

Name: Rory Mcllroy 

Age: 22

World Ranking: 2

Major Titles: 1

Finish last year: T-15

What he needs to do to win: If Mcllroy wants a piece of revenge, after last years meltdown during the final round at Augusta, he must have nerves of steel. It was dreadful to see such a talented player breakdown, but Mcllroy bounced back a few months later and won his first major, the U.S. Open. And this occurrence allowed us to be believe, he could possibly become World #1, which he did after winning the Honda Classic this year. If Mcllroy stays level headed, he might just find himself wearing the green jacket on Easter Sunday. 

What can go wrong: The most obvious would be a reiteration of his final round last year. The pressure of winning can even make the best players in the world choke. Mcllroy is pretty much fire with every club in the bag, but to pin point a possible setback, I believe the driver will be a determining factor. 

Predicted Finish: Mcllroy should have no problem finishing within the top-10, but I predict a top-5. With a win here, Mcllroy can become World #1 for the second time in his career. 

HTWD Masters Preview: Luke Donald

As noted yesterday, to celebrate Masters week we are doing a few previews of the big favorites heading into Augusta. Yesterday we took a look at the top American favorites (Tiger and Phil), and today we go across the pond to look at Europe's best shot, Rory and Luke. And away we go.


Name: Luke Donald
Age: 34
World Ranking: 1
Major Titles: 0 (Best finish is T-3, twice)
Finish Last Year: T-4

What he needs to do to win: To slip on a green jacket for the first time, Luke needs to keep his Driver in check. We all know he's a world class short game and iron player, so it really comes down to his driver. Luke isn't a very long driver, and his accuracy can come and go. He needs to consistently be in fairways so he can use his irons to hunt for birdies. He might be able to get away with some erratic driving, but if he wants to be in the thick of things on Sunday, he'll need to be in the short grass at least 75 percent of the time.

What can go wrong: The biggest problem for Luke is confidence and how he copes with pressure. Yes, he won a few weeks ago to go back to World #1, but that still doesn't shrug the doubters off. Without a major, the pressure only can pile on him. Luke's primary goal this year has been to grab a major, and he can't let the pressure get to him. He needs to stay confident in his abilities throughout the whole week, because if he lets the pressure get to him a little bit, he'll be done.

Predicted Finish: I think Luke will play well this week, but not well enough to break though. I'm thinking he'll post a top-10 finish, but he'll come up just short in his bid for his first ever major championship.

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HTWD Masters Preview: Phil Mickelson

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For our second profile of the day, as mentioned in the previous blog, will be Phil Mickelson. Which out of the four “favorites” could possibly be adding a green jacket to his collection or a first time Master’s winner could emerge, just as observed in 2011.  

Name: Phil Mickelson 

Age: 41

World Ranking: 14

Major Titles: 4 (3 Masters)

Finish Last Year: T-27

What he needs to do to win: If Phil wants to be wearing his 4th green jacket on Sunday, he must find peace with the putter. Last week at the Shell Houston Open, Phil missed a few short putts that could have placed him back in the hunt. Phil has been playing well this season, with that said,  if he strikes the ball nicely and fine tunes the putter. Phil could possibly obtain his 4th green jacket and 5th overall major title. To sum it up Phil must putt and drive the ball well in order to win. 

What can go wrong: The same club needed to win could also become his worst enemy, the putter. A three putt (or worst) can put a great tee and approach shot to waste. Besides putting, Phil can get a bit iffy off the tee and a semi tree-lined course does not favor bad tee shots. But Phil can get pretty creative, as we saw back in 2010 on the 13th hole (with six iron in hand), he hit a beauty from the trees, leaving him just feet from the hole. 

Predicted Finish: Lefty should finish within the top-10, but if he gets the driver and putter working, I predict a win.  

HTWD Masters Preview: Tiger Woods

Behold, it is finally Masters week! With arguably the greatest week in golf upon us, we decided to do something a little different this week. We are going to profile four of the "favorites" heading into the tournament. Today we'll profile 2 American favorites: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Tomorrow, we'll take a look at the 2 UK favourites: Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald. Off we go!


Name: Tiger Woods
Age: 36
World Ranking: 7
Major Titles: 14 (4 Masters)
Finish Last Year: T-4

What he needs to do to win: To win his 5th green jacket, Tiger needs to do something at Augusta he hasn't done since 2005- putt well. The guy is always in contention here it seems, always hitting the ball well enough to win, but the putter goes haywire somehow. If you look at last year, his back 9 putting did him in. If he can putt like he did at Bay Hill, and hit the ball like he has all year, then there's no doubt in my mind that Tiger will be slipping on the green jacket by the end of Sunday.

What can go wrong: The first, most obvious thing that can go wrong with Tiger is his putting. One short missed putt can send him in a free fall in terms of his confidence, and then he'll be out of contention before we know it. He is just regaining confidence that he can win against a full, world class field, so if he were to lose any confidence, he'd be in a lot of trouble. Tiger also needs to not put any more added pressure on himself. Yes, he's always going to have a ton of pressure on him, but there's no need for him to add anymore high expectations. If he can stay patient and confident this week, he'll be fine.

Predicted Finish: The way he's playing, a top-5 finish should be a lock, and if he can get the putter going, he'll definitely win.

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Shell Houston Open: Look Out For Hunter Mahan

As of today, the hottest golfer heading into Augusta National is not Rory McIlroy. It's not Phil Mickelson either. Heck, it's not even Tiger Woods!

Who are we talking about? Well, we're talking about the dude who won today, Hunter Mahan. Hunter snatched his second title of the year in a solid field right before the first major of 2012. He's done it with World Class players chasing him too (Rory, Phil, Keegan). So it's not like he's winning events that are second tier. Hunter now is finding his peak at the right time as we get to the biggest tournament of the year.

The best thing about Hunter's win today was his play down the stretch. He showed us in Arizona that his short game could handle a one on one battle, but we were yet to see it be tested with multiple people going after him. Those doubts were put to rest today, as he did just enough to capture the trophy. Sort of Tiger-eque, if you will.

Even though many of the betting public will still go with one of the bigger names I mentioned above (and they have the right to do so, because those 3 are all still playing stellar), don't be surprised if you see Mahan in the mix come Sunday afternoon. He knows he has the game to beat anyone in the World, and heck, with how he's been playing this year, I wouldn't be surprised if he won the darn thing. He's too talented to not win a major in his lifetime, and the stars may be aligning for his time to be on Easter Sunday.

Congratulations, Hunter!

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